Club 80-90 Forums

Having found a very nasty looking nest of Scotchloks in the junction box area of the engine bay, and noting that the previous careful owner has also lost the Junc box cover I feel the need to remove these litle blighters before the corrosion becomes, well - terminal. So..
Was wondering if anyone had any better alternatives to cutting out and soldering in???
If not any top tips would be appreciated.
Piccy to follow (when its not dark) so you can all laugh!
Thanks
Martino

I don't like solder as wires can crack with vibration at the solder joint.
Personally I'd use butt or bullet crimp connecters and load them with vaseline to keep the corrosion out.

Solder and heat shrink is the most reliable method.
The heat shrink provides support around the joint.

Twist wires together then a light solder and shrink sleeving. Solder should never crack if done properly, I.e. not over-heated.

It isn't the solder that cracks, it's the copper at the end of the solder - I have seen it several times.
That said I solder and shrink wrap also but if in a position that may vibrate use two layers of shrink wrap so that movement is minimized at the joint.

if solder was so great why don't vehicle manufacturers use it? You can also get galvanic corrosion depending on where the connections are.

I personally hate scotch locks... I know a lot of auto electricians tend to use them for an easy join into an existing cable, but I think they're unsightly and unprofessional

I'd either cut the wires and use butt crimps...

Or twist the wires together... solder... and then some heat-shrink sleeving (the amount of times I've soldered wires together, then realised I forgot to slide on the sleeving first )

Not if you have tinned strands!
What is more cost effective for a volume vehicle manufacturer? My case rests.

itchyfeet wrote:if solder was so great why don't vehicle manufacturers use it?

Cost and time

richlaz wrote:

itchyfeet wrote:if solder was so great why don't vehicle manufacturers use it?

Cost and time

Most vehicle connectors are crimped contacts inserted into plastic housings, if you make somthing in enough volume you could justify automating soldering if it was better.

I've just finished working for a car speaker manufacturer, we used automated induction soldering there, it was the biggest pain in the ass ever!
Much easier, quicker and cheaper for automakers to crimp the connections.

Hi All
Thanks for that info - I think i will go with the solder then, and be careful not to overheat.
I'll put extra length heatshrink along the 2 wires to stabilise the join.
Cheers
Martino

i work on aircraft electrics 99.999% is crimped, very very little is soldered! id use a splice with an enviro sleeve then some heat shrink

I don't think there's many industries where soldering is used

I work with automation machinery, and most connections are crimped into pins on plastic plugs/sockets

one needs skill the other doesnt
mm